The issue of sexism in pop music became hot topic after Robin Thicke released Blurred Lines last year — with lyrics feminists have described as legitimising sexual abuse, and a music video featuring scantily-clad women fawning over fully dressed men.

The BBC said in a statement "Each track is considered for the playlist based on its musical merit and whether it is right for our young audience, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis."

Currently, Pitbull does not have any songs on the Radio 1 playlist.

Radio 2 has also recently faced criticism for its all-male weekday daytime shows.

BBC's director of music Bob Shennan introduced Ms Cox to the station, along with Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley and Vanessa Feltz, but they remain outside peak hours.

Mr Shennan argues that the male presenters happen to be the most popular with listeners, but is open to women DJs in peak slots in future.